In a statement, Stowell explained that his departure, set for Dec. 31, has more to do with finances than with creative differences: "OBT's Board of Trustees has determined that the organization must adopt a new business model and, after much thought, I have come to the conclusion that I am not the best candidate to lead OBT into that future."

OBT has faced significant financial troubles in recent years but had appeared to be on steadier footing. Stowell said that changes to the board's leadership several weeks ago led to new conversations about streamlining the ballet's bottom line.